The Artist's Repository, Or, Encyclopedia of the Fine Arts (Band 1): The Human Figure (London, 1808)

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;': S tory of art,

[lect. i,

LECTURE II.

OF THE EXCELLENCE, AND UTILITY, OF

THE ARTS.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In our preceding discourse we remarked, that,
though sometimes neglected, and sometimes con-
temned, yet by civilized society in general (and by
this nation of late in particular), the Arts have
been honoured with distinguished attention ; enjoy-
ing not only the encouragement of individuals, but
likewise the patronage of the public. An endeavour
to account for this attention, and patronage, may at
first sight appear superfluous, since it will readily be
admitted, that general applause is not bestowed on a
subjeel without merit : nevertheless, as I have now
the honour to address such as desire to cultivate an
acquaintance with the tine Arts, I presume it will not
be deemed impertinent to animate this laudable in-
tention, by offering a few remarks on their excel-
lence, and utility.

Human nature, in its uncultivated condition, is
rather an object of pity than of satisfaction ; little

elevated